### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **blasphēmía**, represented by `{{G988}}`, is defined as vilification, evil speaking, or railing, especially when directed against God. It appears **19 times** across **18 unique verses** in the Bible. This term encompasses defamatory and impious speech, highlighting the gravity of words used to dishonor both fellow humans and, most significantly, God himself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G988}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It is frequently listed among sins that believers are commanded to put away, such as in "evil speaking" that must be removed along with bitterness, wrath, and malice [[Ephesians 4:31]]. Jesus identifies **blasphemies** as evils that proceed from within a person's heart, alongside murders, adulteries, and thefts [[Matthew 15:19]]. The term is also used in a legal or accusatory sense, as when the scribes accused Jesus of **blasphemy** for claiming the authority to forgive sins [[Mark 2:7]]. The ultimate expression of this concept is seen in Revelation, where the beast from the sea bears a name of **blasphemy** and speaks against God ([[Revelation 13:1]], [[Revelation 13:6]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the scope of `{{G988}}`:
* `{{G987}}` **blasphēméō** (to blaspheme): This is the verb form of `{{G988}}`, signifying the act of vilifying or speaking impiously. It is used when the high priest accuses Jesus, declaring, "He hath spoken **blasphemy**" [[Matthew 26:65]].
* `{{G2549}}` **kakía** (malice): Defined as "badness, i.e. (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity," this word is often paired with `{{G988}}` as a foundational evil to be put away by believers [[Colossians 3:8]].
* `{{G2906}}` **kraugḗ** (clamour): This term for "an outcry" or "tumult" describes the outward, disruptive expression that often accompanies the internal attitudes of anger and evil speaking [[Ephesians 4:31]].
* `{{G266}}` **hamartía** (a sin): As a general term for sin, it provides a broader category for `{{G988}}`. The relationship is highlighted when Jesus states that all manner of **sin** and **blasphemy** can be forgiven, with one critical exception [[Matthew 12:31]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G988}}` is significant, particularly in how it defines sins of speech and attitude.
* **A Sin Originating from the Heart:** Scripture presents **blasphemy** not as a spontaneous slip of the tongue, but as an overflow of a corrupt heart, placing it in the same category as other profound moral evils like murder and adultery [[Mark 7:22]].
* **An Affront to Divine Authority:** The most serious form of **blasphemy** is speech that directly challenges the honor and authority of God. This was the charge against Jesus when he claimed a divine prerogative [[John 10:33]] and is the defining characteristic of the satanic beast in Revelation [[Revelation 17:3]].
* **The Unforgivable Transgression:** The concept is given its utmost gravity in the warning that while every sin and **blasphemy** can be forgiven, "the **blasphemy** against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men" [[Matthew 12:31]], marking it as a unique and permanent state of rebellion.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G988}}` **blasphēmía** is a powerful term that extends beyond simple profanity. It defines a range of defiant speech, from "railing" and "evil speaking" in human interactions to the ultimate transgression of vilifying God. As a sin that originates from the heart, it serves as a critical indicator of one's spiritual condition and relationship to divine authority, illustrating the profound biblical importance placed on the power of the tongue.
TRV